Zodiac Race

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According to Chinese lore, the 12 animals that make up the Chinese zodiac were arranged chronologically based on the results of a swimming race. The winner was the rat, said to have attained pole position by cheating.

According to Chinese lore, the 12 animals that make up the Chinese zodiac were arranged chronologically based on the results of a swimming race. The winner was the rat, said to have attained pole position by cheating.

Inspired by the story, New York artist Duke Riley re-created the race in a performance piece on the Caogang River, about an hour away from Shanghai. He frequently works with water. 'Most of my art involves history and the waterways of cities and waterfront communities,' he said, adding that China has 'a history very much shaped by rivers and canals.'

Inspired by the story, New York artist Duke Riley re-created the race in a performance piece on the Caogang River, about an hour away from Shanghai. He frequently works with water. 'Most of my art involves history and the waterways of cities and waterfront communities,' he said, adding that China has 'a history very much shaped by rivers and canals.'

Titled 'The Rematch,' the work was performed last month close to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao. Mr. Riley said he picked the spot because he was told it was reminiscent of Shanghai a millennium ago.

Titled 'The Rematch,' the work was performed last month close to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao. Mr. Riley said he picked the spot because he was told it was reminiscent of Shanghai a millennium ago.

Mr. Riley arrived in China at the end of February as part of the U.S. State Department's 'smARTpower' cultural initiative. Working in collaboration with Shanghai artist Ning Zuohong, he prepared for the race by tracking down animals, holding drawing workshops at a local school and planning the race's route.

Mr. Riley arrived in China at the end of February as part of the U.S. State Department's 'smARTpower' cultural initiative. Working in collaboration with Shanghai artist Ning Zuohong, he prepared for the race by tracking down animals, holding drawing workshops at a local school and planning the race's route.

Most of the race's participants were Zhujiajiao natives. The gondolas used in the race were operated by boatmen who ply the tourist trade, while schoolchildren from the local elementary created many of the art pieces that decorated the gondolas.

Most of the race's participants were Zhujiajiao natives. The gondolas used in the race were operated by boatmen who ply the tourist trade, while schoolchildren from the local elementary created many of the art pieces that decorated the gondolas.

On the day of the race, the gondolas were loaded with live animals or, in the case of mythical creatures like the dragon, substitutes dressed as animals. Opera singers on the boats sang songs from the perspective of the animals. The result was 'as close to being a riot as possible,' said Mr. Riley of the race atmosphere.

On the day of the race, the gondolas were loaded with live animals or, in the case of mythical creatures like the dragon, substitutes dressed as animals. Opera singers on the boats sang songs from the perspective of the animals. The result was 'as close to being a riot as possible,' said Mr. Riley of the race atmosphere.

Mr. Riley insisted that he had no favorites going into the race, although he was sympathetic to the rat, despite it having cheated, because he was born in the Year of the Rat himself. Pictured here, a student draws a rooster.

Mr. Riley insisted that he had no favorites going into the race, although he was sympathetic to the rat, despite it having cheated, because he was born in the Year of the Rat himself. Pictured here, a student draws a rooster.